This post is for a specific question regarding motivation, but it may help you nonetheless. I stay motivated because I always feel better after accomplishing something as opposed to not doing anything, no matter how small the accomplishment. I'd also rather attempt something and regret it than not attempt it at all, that's another motivating factor for me.
Thanks for posting this, you beat me to it. Outset, have you thought about going back to school in order to teach? The field of education is certainly one that caters to degrees in history. I'm still lacking in motivation from that post 44 days ago. I've managed to complete some work, albeit at the last moment. Deadlines are this week; let's see what happens. I manage to convince myself of the reality I will face if I don't do what I need to do, and use that reality to motivate me. I can't say it's the best method, but it's how I accomplish tasks.
I have recently been lacking in motivation. I'm trying to get back on track by remembering that not doing things makes me feel bad, and doing things makes me feel good. You know, the infinite feedback loop (if I go the right way about it). Good luck with your deadlines!
I try to log on to IRC when I can. They blocked it at work, so I wouldn't be able to daytimes. But I'd be open to it; my schedule is a fickle beast, so some weeks I'm very available and others I'm not, but I'd always like to see more people on the IRC.